Hyosung shifts to sugarcane for bio-spandex production

Hyosung, the world’s top spandex producer, is advancing its eco-friendly journey by switching to sugarcane as a new base for its bio-based spandex. Earlier, the company used corn to produce its regen™ BIO Spandex. Now, with sugar as the latest input, Hyosung is working to increase the amount of bio-based content in its sustainable stretch fiber.

This sugarcane-based material, known as bio-BDO, is part of Hyosung’s broader plan to help the textile sector lower its carbon footprint and embrace circular practices. In 2023, Hyosung teamed up with sustainable materials company Geno to build a new production facility in Vietnam. This plant will use Geno’s unique technology to turn sugarcane into bio-BDO.

Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, the company’s Global Sustainability Director, confirmed that the switch to sugarcane feedstock does not change the look, feel, or performance of the bio spandex. “This will be the first time the industry will have a complete bio-based spandex supply chain within one region—from raw materials to final fiber,” he added. “It brings great advantages like faster market response, quicker product development, and a stronger supply network.”

Looking ahead, Hyosung plans to expand the use of sugarcane-based bio-BDO beyond textiles. It is expected to be used in products like footwear, packaging, and car parts, helping reduce emissions across multiple industries.